According to reports, Liverpool are eyeing a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Emre Can ahead of next season.

The club’s depth came into question during a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday and its imperative that reinforcements are made over the summer months, especially considering added challenge of European football.

Brendan Rodgers has personally scouted Can, who is seen as a perfect target in terms of strengthening the Northern Irishman’s current side.

1) Born in Frankfurt, Can joined Bayern Munich’s youth academy in 2009, having spent three years with Eintracht Frankfurt’s. In 2011, he made the step up to Bayern Munich II, the club’s reserve side. He made his debut for Bayern's first team in the 2012/13 season, featuring for the first time in the 2012 DFL-Supercup.

2) Last summer, he agreed to a four-year deal with Bayer Leverkusen, which included a buy-back clause for Bayern Munich. He has since registered 27 Bundesliga appearances, scoring on two occasions.

3) He plays predominantly as a defensive midfielder, however he can also play as a central defender or at left back.

4) Can captained the German U-17 in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, leading his side to the semi-final stage, alongside current Liverpool youngster Samed Yesil. Because of his Turkish ancestry Can would also be eligible to play for the Turkey national football team, but he stated he has made clear he desire to play for Germany.

5) The 20 year old has been compared in style to former Germany captain and ex-Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack. Bayern Munich chairman Uli Hoeness once described him as the “midfielder of the future” while Germany’s U17 youth coach claimed, he is “the most complete player” he has ever seen at that age.

Chris Linnell

Chris is a freelance football writer from Wiltshire, England. He is currently studying Modern History and Politics at the University of Liverpool. He has written for various other sites, including the Boot Room and Bleacher Report. His work has also featured on Eurosport.